OpenAI has unveiled a new way for users to interact with its renowned chatbot - through a simple phone call. By dialing 1-800-CHATGPT (1-800-242-8478), anyone in the United States can now engage in voice conversations with ChatGPT for up to 15 minutes per month at no cost.
The service, which emerged from an internal OpenAI hackathon just weeks ago, aims to make artificial intelligence more accessible to those without smartphones or computers. Upon calling, users are greeted by ChatGPT's voice and can engage in natural conversations, asking questions or seeking assistance just as they would through the web interface.
For international users, OpenAI has enabled free text messaging through WhatsApp using the same number. While U.S. callers access the full GPT-4o version, WhatsApp users interact with GPT-4o mini, a lighter variant of the language model.
During a demonstration, OpenAI showcased the system's versatility by making calls from various devices, including modern smartphones, flip phones, and even vintage rotary phones. The AI successfully handled tasks ranging from translation services to identifying landmarks.
OpenAI spokesperson Taya Christianson confirmed that conversations through this service will not be used to train future language models, though calls may be reviewed for safety purposes.
This launch represents part of OpenAI's broader strategy to expand its reach and compete in the growing generative AI market. While the 15-minute monthly limit applies per phone number, users seeking extended access can create regular ChatGPT accounts for more comprehensive features and higher usage limits.